Food Drink Devon gears up for post-lockdown boom

As Devon’s hospitality businesses throw open their doors once more, Food Drink Devon is ready to champion the finest food and drink in the county with a stunning new video and website and the help of Oz Clarke OBE.

Peter Gorton, award-winning chef and most recently appointed Food Drink Devon board member explains: “It has been such a challenging twelve months for our industry but we are all optimistic that there are better times ahead. We have worked tirelessly to support our members during the recent lockdowns and want to continue this work with a big boost for them all, as we enter a new post-lockdown era. We’re thrilled to be launching our new website which features our fabulous new video and shines a spotlight on the amazing produce available in our bountiful county.”

Devon’s unique combination of moorland grazing, rich arable soil and coastal waters means that nowhere else in Britain boasts the same variety of fresh local produce. From grass-fed cattle and free range poultry to fresh fruit (including grapes!) and vegetables, rapeseed to seaweed and local fish and shellfish, Devon has it all right on its doorstep and the new website will help locals and visitors find it all with a huge directory of local producers.

Those searching for a mouth-watering meal can choose from an unrivalled selection that includes everything from world class streetfood to cosy cafés serving Devonshire cream teas, charming pubs matching inspirational food with local brews and innovative restaurants delivering exceptional dinners.

Food Drink Devon’s new website will be the go to site for those seeking the best food and drink around and includes news, offers, events, competitions and details of each of the growing number of Food Drink Devon members. 

Board director Howard Davies, founder of Salcombe Distilling Co. says: “We have always represented a large cohort of members but we have been overwhelmed with new applications in the last few months. Having witnessed the support we have been giving to our established members and in anticipation of the potential for a huge staycation summer, our membership has surged to over 300 producers, retailers and hospitality businesses and details of each one can be found on our new website www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk. It is the perfect one stop shop If you are looking for a delicious meal out or want to pick up some fantastic local produce.”

The film that sits prominently on the new website’s homepage is a collaboration of new and existing footage, created by the highly skilled videographers at The Really Good Media Company and features Peter preparing dishes from produce supplied by Food Drink Devon members. Filming took place at The Husbandry School in Bickington and their beautiful landscapes, kitchen and animals all star in the film.

Howard continues: “Our new website comes hot on the heels of our recent announcement that Oz Clarke OBE will be hosting our prestigious awards later this year and further cements our commitment to putting Devon well and truly on the foodie tourist map.”

Food Drink Devon is a not-for-profit membership organisation of food and drink producers, retailers, hospitality venues and related businesses dedicated to serving up the best produce from the county. With a focus on quality, sustainability and provenance, Food Drink Devon’s aim is to support and promote their members and raise Devon’s culinary profile as a whole.

Food Drink Devon would like to say a huge thank you to all who provided produce, time or content for the new website including Lovaton Farm, Blakewell Fishery & Smokehouse, Sharpham Cheese, Salcombe Brewery, River Teign Shellfish, Veyseys Butchers, The Bay Tree Food Co, Sidmouth Gin, Eversfield Organic, Calancombe Estate Vineyard, Lyme Bay Winery, Luscombe Drinks, Nick Hook, Salcombe Distilling Company, Steven Haywood, Brixham Fish Market, Brixham Trawler Agents, South West Wine School, WestCountry Fruit Sales and Veggies and More.

For more information visit www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk, follow @FoodDrinkDevon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.